We read in Al-Masāʾil as-Sarawiyya – ash-Shaykh al-Mufīd – aṣ-Ṣafḥah 92:Issue Ten:
Regarding the marriage of Umm Kulthum and the daughters of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), what is the opinion — may Allah Almighty prolong his dignity — on the marriage of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), of his daughter to Umar ibn Al-Khattab, and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him and his family) marriages of his daughters Zaynab and Ruqayyah to Uthman?**

Answer:

The report regarding the marriage of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) of his daughter to Umar is not authentic. Its chain of transmission comes from *al-Zubayr ibn Bakkar*, who was not considered trustworthy in narration. He was accused of fabricating reports, and he harbored hatred against the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), and was not reliable in what he claimed regarding the Banu Hashim.

The report was primarily spread through Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn Yahya, a genealogist, in his book. Many people assumed the report to be true because it was narrated by an Alawite (a descendant of Ali), but he in fact quoted it from *al-Zubayr ibn Bakkar*.

The narration itself is inconsistent:
- At times it is said that the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) himself conducted the marriage contract.
- At other times it is said that al-‘Abbas did it on his behalf.
- Another version claims the marriage only happened after Umar threatened and intimidated the Banu Hashim.
- And another version says it occurred willingly and by choice.

Some narrators say that Umar fathered a son from her named Zayd.
Others say that he was killed before consummation.
Some claim Zayd had descendants.
Others say he died without any descendants.
Some even claim that both he and his mother were killed.
Others say she lived after him.

There are also conflicting reports about her dowry:
- Some say Umar gave her a dowry of forty thousand dirhams.
- Others say it was four thousand dirhams.
- Still others say it was five hundred dirhams.

These contradictions invalidate the authenticity of the report and render it ineffective.

Interpreting the Report:

If, hypothetically, the report were authentic, there are two interpretations that do not contradict the Shia belief regarding the misguidance of those who preceded the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him):

**First Interpretation:**
Marriage is based on outward Islam, which is:
- Bearing witness to the two testimonies (Shahadatayn),
- Praying toward the Kaaba,
- And acknowledging the entirety of the Sharia.

While it is better to marry someone who holds true faith (Iman), and to avoid marrying those who, despite outwardly displaying Islam, harbor misguidance that does not expel them from Islam, necessity may at times permit marrying such individuals. Though not preferred, it becomes permissible in situations of necessity. The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) may have found himself in a position where it was necessary to make peace and preserve lives. He saw that if he prevented Umar from marrying his daughter, it could lead to corruption in both religious and worldly matters. But if he agreed, it could lead to improvement in both. Therefore, he agreed for the sake of the greater good.

Second Interpretation:
Marriage with someone misguided — such as one who rejects the Imamate or claims it falsely — is prohibited. However, if one fears for their life or religion, then it becomes permissible, just as it is permissible to outwardly utter words of disbelief under compulsion. Likewise, eating dead meat, blood, or pork is allowed in cases of necessity, even though it is forbidden by default.

The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) was compelled to marry his daughter to that man because he was being threatened and intimidated. He did not feel secure for himself or his followers. Therefore, he agreed out of necessity, just as necessity permits uttering words of disbelief. As Allah the Exalted says:
“Except for one who is forced while his heart is at rest with faith.”

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